Hello Board Members,

 

Thanks for the great discussions that we had yesterday. Hopefully, you have had some time to digest the information because now we need to provide Kevin with our recommendation regarding Community Paramedics. Please see Kathy’s update below. Since we had such a robust discussion on this, we would like the full Board to weigh in on this matter no later than Monday by 8:00. If we don’t have a quorum by then, the Executive Committee will make decision on behalf of the Board. So here are the recommendations;

 

Legislative Team recommendation - exempt a licensed ambulance service from home care licensure for the first two visits following a triggering event; then if 3 or more visits would be deemed to be licensed for home care.  (Would have to pay a license fee and be overseen by the EMS Board).

 

Or

Since given Kathy’s information, do we just stay neutral since the Board had a varying difference of opinion

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

I just talked with Kevin and the new twist of allowing home care providers a “free pass” on the first two visits following a hospital or ER discharge (triggering event) with equal or better payment is not an option in this situation. The idea of trying to “build a fence” so that other “bus drivers, as Jay says” can’t provide what we consider home care involves negotiating with the CPs, as they are already authorized in MN to provide the care directed by a physician. The CPs won’t have an incentive to advocate for home care being given a free pass. Furthermore, a “free pass” not to do OASIS is a federal issue that is outside of the scope of MN law.

 

Also, a clarification on deeming ambulance services: they would pay the license fee but the oversight would come from their EMS Board; they would not be surveyed by MDH.

 

Kevin needs further direction. At this point, he will not negotiate with the CPs. We need to understand that we are then keeping the doors open for others to walk through. Is this what you believe the board wants? I’m sending this just to the Executive Committee as we will need direction very quickly. If you want a conference call with Kevin to talk through this, he is happy to participate. Please advise. Thank you.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Kathy Messerli

Executive Director

Minnesota HomeCare Association

Office: 651-635-0038 | Cell: 612-590-4180

www.mnhomecare.org

 

MHCA Mission: MHCA represents and supports Minnesota home care providers committed to high quality home care services